Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Christmas!

Dear Staples Golf Client,
Hello and Merry Christmas! It’s that that time of the year again (Wow, another year in the books?!). As you read this, I’m with the Staples Clan at the in-laws in Cali, thinking of the classic movie Christmas Vacation…  So let's press on and all have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny <omitted word> Kaye!

If only one thing about this season is for sure, it’s that Christmas songs will be injected into our subconscious where every we go, pretty much all the time. In writing this right after my yearly visit to Fashion Square Mall, the “12 Days of Christmas” is now playing in my head.  And now, of course, it's playing in yours too!! So, let’s look back at 12 “days” of notes, thoughts, and lessons learned for 2017. Onward!!

On the First Day of Christmas we look back and consider our progress around Community Links! We’re encouraged by the County of San Luis Obispo and their embracing of the vision. The plan is moving ahead, and the stakeholders, including Cal Poly, are engaged. Great news!

Community Links Vision for County of SLO

On the Second Day of Christmas we marvel at the cool technology the USGA is starting to implement with regards to GPS heat mapping and resource management. Pace of play be darned! It's a real eye-opener into a courses’ unused areas, with the intention of reducing maintenance costs. Thumbs up!

Heat Map of Dairy Creek Golf Course, San Luis Obispo, CA

On the Third Day of Christmas I’m again reminded how it’s always important to visit new places as much as possible. Having gotten the chance to visit Streamsong, Camargo, The Golf Club, Scioto, Milwaukee, Bob-o-Link, the Bears Club, and many more. Experiences like these keep me inspired, motivated, and looking at things differently. Massive fist pump! Yes!

#5 Par 3, Black Course, Streamsong

On the Fourth Day of Christmas I reminisce about working a bit this year in the Caribbean. Provo Golf Club in Turks and Cacaos had me doing some consulting work, and yes, it’s as good as they say it is, as I stare blankly off into the distance…

Beach Shot, Provo Island, Turks and Caicos

On the Fifth Day of Christmas Meadowbrook Country Club was finally realized with its grand-reopening, and won a few awards along the way. A first tee shot, a grand party, and some incredibly thankful members. I even made it back for the first Invitational tournament on their new course. No, I cannot say winner, winner, chicken dinner, and that’s probably a good thing!

Ribbon Cutting, MCC Grand Re-Opening

On the Sixth Day of Christmas a guest lecture appearance at the Phoenix-area Grand Canyon University had me speaking to a bunch of college kids about the golf industry and the nature of golf architecture as a business. ROFL

Stock Photo of GCU Classroom (Didn't take a pic, doh!)

On the Seventh Day of Christmas I look back fondly at the US Open, having attended Thursday’s round with my two oldest boys in my home state of Wisconsin. And, more memories of the discussion of how long the golf course was, how far the golf ball travels, and how a well designed golf course doesn't have to be long to challenge the best players. 2018 will be an interesting year in this regard.

Love these little guys! Luke and Will (7 & 9)

On the Eighth Day of Christmas we prepare to find future water as part of our Master Planning process at San Jose Country Club in California. It’s been great getting to know this historic golf club, and be around a bunch of guys (and gals) that absolutely love the game of golf.  Our tag line for our planning work is: Win at Golf! Swimming pool? We have a swimming pool?

Presentation scheduled on Game 7 of the World Series! Ouch!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas I’m happy to announce that Phase 1 of our master plan for The University Club (formerly Tripoli Country Club) is set to be implemented. It will be one of the premier practice facilities and learning centers in the area. We also plan to restore many of the lost 1921 Tom Bendelow features over the coming years. Great news, and a solid example of how a private country club is handling post-recession conditions.

Old Man Bendelow doing work! Tripoli CC, circa 1920

On the Tenth Day of Christmas Marriott Golf had me speak at their annual GolfCON on a panel addressing Practical Sustainability; what a great experience that turned out to be. Also, everyone  should really pay attention to all the great things Marriott Golf does for our game. Please play "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.  

*About to Crush Some Sustainability*

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas I was able to finally attend the Carolina’s golf show, the largest, most comprehensive turf show in the country, other than the National. Completely surpassed my expectations.

The Carolinas GCSA Show. I'll be back!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas I was honored to participate in Golfweek’s Architecture Summit at Streamsong in Florida, and not only did I get in some great golf, I was able to connect with some great industry folks and talk serious architecture.

This pic doesn't do Streamsong justice!

On the Thirteenth(?!) Day of Christmas I'm sorry- I just had to include this picture of the tree house the boys and I built this summer! A lot of love went into this puppy!

Why yes! ...thatis a spiral staircase.

There were plenty more experiences, and I’m sure I forgot some along the way.  Overall, we at Staples Golf had a pretty special year and can hardly believe it’s about to come to an end. A really big thanks to everyone for making 2017 a year to remember. 2018 is set to be another wild ride of exciting projects, proposals, plane flights, and I'm sure; some panic! In the end, let’s give pause to what a great year we’ve all had, and how much we love the game of golf.

Stay bundled up out there if you happen to be in snow country. If you’re somewhere with warmer weather, make sure to get out there and get some rounds in. Until next time; we hope you have a wonderful holiday and get everything on your list!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Andy Staples, ASGCA